GRAD GIFT GUIDE

The AOC Portable USB Monitor is an ultra-light USB plug-in monitor that permits you to have two screens working on one computer. It extends your desktop, allowing the viewer to drag pages over to the second monitor and extend their work space. Light and portable, this extra monitor is perfect for the college student who needs that extra visible computer space to spread out their documents and web pages. The monitor is easy to install and is powered by the computer, so it needs no batteries or extra power cord. This is a great, affordable gift that will give any student the extra workspace they need, and with multiple sizes, the monitor can be as small or as big as needed, so it is perfect for the dorm room. – Maya Lubarsky, Stoneman Douglas High

Singing in the iShower

Gain the love and goodwill of your roommates with the iShower, a water-resistant Bluetooth speaker that can blast tunes from up to 5 different users from a range of up to 200 feet. With the iShower, you and your friends can leave your phones safely locked in your rooms and still have access to all your great tunes at the pool or in the shower. Waterproof buttons allow users to change devices, adjust the volume, and skip forward or back or pause the music, while a clock display will ensure you aren’t late for class. An adjustable mount means you can hang the device from a stickable platform or prop it on a flat surface. Uses 3 AA batteries. $99.99 with free shipping, www.iShowerinc.com.

Round up your ringtones with Renny

How many times have you missed a call or text because you silenced your phone for class and forgot to turn it back on? Catch all of your calls with Renny, a Bluetooth home ringer that syncs with up to 2 phones at a time and rings when a call or text comes in, even when that phone is set to silence or vibrate. The small, cylindrical unit can even announce the phone number calling in and be used as a speakerphone, if you don’t have time to find your phone or you just want to go hands-free. In-between calls, you can stream music from your smartphone to the loudspeaker, which has play/pause/forward/back controls and uses 3D Digital Dynamic Bass. The only danger of the Renny is that it sometimes picks up sounds you DON’T want to be public, such as the voicemail it broadcast through the house recently, or the sounds of my Angry Birds game. But having a backup ringer for my often-silenced phone makes the Renny worth it. Uses included rssechargeable battery. $99.95, www.rennyringer.com.

Wicked Audio EVAC headphones

Wicked's over-ear EVAC headphones wrap superior sound in soft, cushiony comfort, making it a great pick for music lovers destined for the hustle and bustle of campus life. The rounded ear cups deliver high fidelity sound with enhanced bass while the headphones' thick cushions keep other chaos out. The gold-plated plug and braided nylon cord make for better durability and fewer tangles, and the earphones fold in for storage, making EVAC the ultimate traveling companion. The EVACs come in three colors: black/white, green/black and white/black. $49.99, http://www.wickedheadphones.com.

Outdoor Technology Adapt Bluetooth Adaptor

The Adapt Bluetooth Adaptor by Outdoor Technology is an adapter for 3.5mm devices that wirelessly connects headphones and stereos to Bluetooth-enabled devices. This product is light, making it easy to clip anywhere, and easy to use, with only five buttons and a built-in microphone for talking calls when you are away from your phone. The quality of the audio and clarity of the sound is good. This product does not come with a charger; but has a standard micro-USB port for charging. There is no way to check how much battery one has left, which is frustrating, but the convenience of the Adapt outweighs its cons. Overall, this is a great, affordable product that has many functions. Available in black, pink and blue. $39.95, http://www.outdoortech.com

Netgear NeoTV MAX Streaming Player

Netgear's NeoTV Max will turn almost any TV into a smart TV by accessing online channels without a computer. Users can stream new releases on Netflix or VUDU HD Movies, watch YouTube videos, listen to personalized Pandora Internet radio stations, see current TV shows and movies on Hulu Plus, and stream Hollywood releases and TV shows via BESTBUY CinemaNow. Users can also choose from more than 13 million songs on Rhapsody and play personal media from a USB storage device. There is even a NeoTV remote control application available for smartphones. The NeoTV Max has 1080p HD video resolution, wireless display and a premium remote with Quick Start buttons on one side and full QWERTY keyboard on the other. The HDMI cable is not included. The NeoTV MAX Streaming Player is easy to set up, convenient in size and sold at a great price, considering its many functions. $59.99, http://www.netgear.com/landing/stream/.

Monster ClarityHD speakers

The Monster ClarityHD speakers truly gives out a "big sound in a small size." The Bluetooth capability makes it easy for any Blackberry user to blast music or answer phone calls on the two-way speakerphone, whether one is driving or just using the stereo in their room. iPhone users may have some trouble connecting it though, but the sound quality is just the same. Luckily, there's still the option of connecting an AUX/headphone cable. Charging the device takes a long while too, but the 10 hour battery life is worth it for long road trips. The ClarityHD stereo's small compact size makes it the new boom box of the generation. $99.99, http://www.officedepot.com.

Triumph Sports USA Door Court Basketball

The Triumph Sports USA Door Court Basketball is extremely well made and is perfect for the basketball lover. The device easily hangs on any door. It also has foam padding to prevent scratching or damage to the door. The set also comes with a nice rubber blow-up ball (that has the same texture as a real basketball), which allows you to use the hoop indoors without worry of anything breaking. $22.53, http://www.wayfair.com.

Kikkerland USK Battle Ship USB Hub

If you have too many devices and not enough USB ports, the Kikkerland Battle Ship hub is exactly what you need. This device was designed to eliminate the inevitable chaos caused by cables. The Battle Ship is a gun metal gray that has five USB ports and is windows and Mac compatible. It is just the right size at a length of 10 inches, however the uneven shape across the top makes this device difficult to store. Overall, the handy USB Hub Battleship is the perfect solution to a limited about of USB ports. $14.20, http://www.wayfair.com.

Etón Rukus Solar Boombox

Perfect for South Florida music lovers, the Etón Rukus Solar Boombox allows you to keep the music playing loud and clear – and non-stop. Simply pair any Bluetooth-enabled device, from Smartphones to tablets, to stream music wirelessly to the portable boombox. Its solar panel helps ensure the Etón Rukus never runs out of power (the device also comes with an AC adapter for easy charging on rainy days or long nights). The Rukus can also charge most devices that use a USB cable, making it the perfect companion for a beach day or a potential savior in the power-less days after a hurricane. $129.99 at http://www.amazon.com, or visit ShopEtonCorp.com.

G-Form body pads are flexible, molded impact pads designed to bend with you but become rigid on impact. Great for blading, boarding and any other contact sport, the comfortable and bright pads are made with PORON®XRD material to soften hard landings and protect athletes from injury during falls and other collisions. G-Form offers impact absorption for elbows, shins and knees in cool-looking yellow and black pads. $39.99, http://www.g-form.com.

Give your grad the gift of tech safety and school pride with an iPad sleeve printed with their college team logo. The durable neoprene exterior protects the iPad from the elements and the faux fur interior prevents scratches, plus it is slim enough to easily fit any backpack or tote. $39.95, http://www.fanatics.com.

Fanatics' Team Logo Sandwich & Waffle Grill

What better way to show school spirit than by supporting your favorite NFL, MLB or NHL team in the kitchen? Fanatics' Sandwich & Waffle Grill sears your team's logo onto waffles and sandwiches, making it the perfect meal accessory any time of day. For the cooking-challenged, an indicator light lets you know when grill is ready to use. The non-stick removable cooking plates make for easy cleanup, and it plugs easily into any standard outlet. $39.99, http://www.fanatics.com.

How to Change the World & How to Find Fulfilling Work

These two books make great gifts for students closing one chapter of their lives and beginning the next.

In "How to Change the World," John-Paul Flintoff argues that all meaningful change starts with an individual, and he blends fresh insights from history, politics and modern culture to show that anyone can be the individual in question. Making a difference might seem like a grand task, he argues, but society has been transformed by the actions of those who changed what they did not like.

In "How to Find Fulfilling Work," Roman Krznaric uses sociology, psychology, history and philosophy to create a practical and inspirational guide. His book outlines the steps required to find a job one will succeed at. It also explores the balance between claiming money and status and doing something meaningful.

UF Gnome a conversation starter, if nothing else

It’s everything a gnome is supposed to be – cute, quirky and utterly useless. This Gator gnome is clad in the team’s colors, making it crystal clear that this little guy roots for the “boys from The Swamp.” It’s also undeniably adorable. Unfortunately, the “thermometer” doesn’t provide an accurate temperature, rendering this lawn decoration pointless, unless you count the cone-shaped hat. Those with orange and blue running through their veins will appreciate this slightly over-the-top homage.

And don’t fret if your loyalty lies with another team. The gnome comes in a variety of team colors from Fanatics. www.footballfanatics.com. Grade: A-

– Heather Wroth, Calvary Christian Academy

A Varsity Jacket for Your Phone

As if there weren’t enough ways to express school spirit, now you can sport your favorite school on your cell phone! Tribeca’s Spirit Collection Varsity Jacket silicone phone cases are appropriate for those die-hard college sports fans, or anyone who wants to show off a school of choice.

The University of Miami iPhone 4 case makes a statement in one of the team’s signature colors, bright orange, with the simple ‘U’ on the back in green to represent the university. Its silicone material makes it easy to hold on to and offers protection for the phone while still leaving access to all ports and buttons. The material also makes putting on and taking off the case a simple process.

Though the case is bright, it’s incredibly simple. It flaunts school spirit for the University of Miami while still being functional, which is all you can ask for in a phone case. Grade: A-

- Samantha Stone, North Broward Prep

Essential Transforming Laundry Bag

Easy to use, durable and eco-friendly, the Green Garmento bag is a versatile clothing contraptions: a duffel bag, carrying bag, garment bag and hamper (with door hook) all in one.

It requires little thinking: a simple drawstring transforms the hamper into a new device. The bag comes in different colors – from “black night” to “orange sunshine.” Since the bag’s purpose is to fight off the pollution caused by 300 million pounds of plastic garment bags every year, this device is beneficial for laundry and nature.

But though the bag has many forms, the openings in it when used as a hanging hamper can cause the smaller items in your bag to slip out. Despite this small defect, the bag is an essential organizer to the laundry room and bedroom. $9.99, TheGreenGarmento.com. Grade: A-

- Lucas Ramos, Coral Springs High

Flop Topz make feet happy

Gone are the days of swollen feet from walking, foot cramps from standing, and needed breaks because flip-flops are too painful. Flop Topz are cushioned soles meant to adhere to a flip-flop surface. They are comfy, and the difference is felt with the first step; longer time with less pain can be spent on foot.

The wearer of these gifts from the “Foot God” does not have to sacrifice fashion for comfort because these soles come in a variety of colors and funky prints. But caution is needed because of the lack of grip the wearer has on their shoes. But other than the occasional, embarrassing stumbles, the Flip-Flopz Soles are great. Grade: B